Panasonic Viera TX-P42VT30B review

Menus were responsive and easy to navigate thanks to a sensible layout on both the TV interface and the remote control. Unfortunately, there’s no audio or video thumbnail in the EPG – something we hope Panasonic will address in its 2012 models, or even via a firmware update.

Picture quality is make or break with a high-end TV, but the VT30 is unquestionably fantastic when it comes to HD content. Standard definition Freeview channels were distinctly average, even on some of the higher-quality channels, but the BBC HD channel looked incredibly crisp and vibrant. Blu-ray content looked equally superb, with Casino Royale’s action scenes looking incredibly fluid thanks to a 600Hz panel and Panasonic’s motion smoothing technology.

Contrast and colours were excellent, just as we’ve come to expect from Viera models with Neo PDP plasma panels. 3D video looked great, although using active shutter glasses does have the side effect of reducing brightness, regardless of screen settings. Importantly, the VT30 is Panasonic’s only 2011 TV that comes with a pair of 3D glasses in the box (excluding limited promotions and other deals) so you won’t need to splash out any more to watch programmes in 3D, assuming you have no friends.

Even though it has everything we would hope to see in a high-end TV, it’s still difficult to recommend the VT30 in light of its cheaper sibling. Although the Viera GT30 range lacks Wi-Fi and the VT30’s subwoofer, it’s as good in almost every other way, yet costs around £300 less.